The follwing interview has been conducted by English Portal of Imam Khomeini with Messrs. Soleiman, Ali and Khalifah, three political activists from South Africa during the 24thdeparture anniversary of Imam Khomeini:
Question: as you know, Iran and South Africa have no common geographical borders; in spite of this, there is a close connection between the two countries.
Your nation experienced apartheid system and the Iranian were suffering from the dictatorial regime of Shah for years.
However, under the leadership of strong leaders, both nations stood against tyranny of the rulers and could eventually enjoy the freedom. We do feel, therefore, a close affinity with South African nation.
Mr. Soleiman, as an elder brother, what memory do you have about the apartheid period?
Soleiman: at the present, every thing has politically changed. In apartheid period, we did not have the right to vote, but now we do have.
Whites were making decisions for the whole community; they were arresting the black and sentenced them to imprisonment for simple political reasons. Every judgment was made upon the color skin.
Question: And I think women lived in tough social circumstances too?
Soleiman: yes, they were unfairly treated during that time. They were assaulted and raped by the white prejudiced extremists. Even, some Black women gave birth to white children, while their fathers were never identified.
Question: What was the role of Mandela in forming the socity which runs on the principles of justice and equity?
Soleiman: Mandella fought for freedom. He was not, of course, alone in this way; many people helped him and sacrificed their life to overthrow the apartheid system.
Question: Mr. Ali, we know that you are, already, a student in Iran. You might have also heard about the system of monarchy during the regime of Shah. How do you draw a comparison between the two countries regarding the then rulling system?
Ali: I think the situation in South Africa was, in many ways, similar to the situation in Iran. Seeking justice and freedom was a common motivation for both nations.
However, people in South Africa were not under the strong leadership of a spiritual leader, like Imam Khomeini.
Question: Khalifa, to what extent do you believe that anti-apartheid movement has been successful in achieving its objectives?
Khalifah: the movement caused the government to pass Laws banning racial discrimination. However, we are still a long way from achieving the society, totally structured on the pillars of justice and equity. All types of discrimination should be removed from the country.
Question: what is the role of religion in accomplishing this mission?
Khalifa: I converted to Isalm, when I was still a young man; before that I was a Christian. Islam is the religion of unity and brotherhood and helps us to remove discrimination from human relations.
Question: Soleiman, when did you come to know about Imam Khomeini and his massage for the first time?
Soleiman: in 1977 I converted to Isalm and two years later in 1979, coincided with the victory of the Islamic revolution, I became familiar with the personality of Imam Khomeini. He was a brave prominent political and spiritual leader, belonging to all humanity. During the apartheid period, the Imam's massage: neither east, nor west, is Islam the best, taught us to never give up the struggle and be disappointed by the social and political pressures imposed on us.